FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is eager to avoid surgical intervention on his partially torn hamstring, according to team owner Jerry Jones, who made the revelation during a radio broadcast on Friday.
Jones disclosed that Prescott’s injury is classified as a partial avulsion, meaning the hamstring has partially torn away from the bone. A complete tear necessitates surgery, a situation reminiscent of a previous injury to former Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith, who had to sit out for 13 games due to a similar issue two years prior. In Prescott’s situation, Jones noted that it will take some time—potentially a few weeks—to determine if an operation will be necessary.
This injury occurred during the Cowboys’ recent 27-21 defeat against the Atlanta Falcons, prompting Cooper Rush to step in as the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles, who currently hold a record of 6-2. The Cowboys are struggling with a 3-5 record and are focused on staying competitive in their playoff pursuit, having previously made the postseason with records of 12-5 over the last three years.
Jones emphasized that Prescott needs to take time off to assess whether surgery is essential. “He doesn’t want surgery. He wants to be on the field and go for it,” Jones remarked, highlighting the quarterback’s desire to play.
The Cowboys do not feel the need to place Prescott on injured reserve at this juncture, as they currently do not require the roster spot. Should he be placed on IR, Prescott would be sidelined for a minimum of four games.
Rush has proven to be effective in the past, boasting a 4-1 record as a starter during a previous absence of Prescott due to a broken throwing thumb. He also filled in successfully in 2021 when Prescott faced a calf strain.
A new dynamic in the quarterback lineup is the addition of Trey Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, who was traded to the Cowboys from San Francisco last year. Following a loss in the backup quarterback competition, Lance has been in the third-string role for Dallas.
During the preseason, Lance received substantial playing time, allowing head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff to evaluate his capabilities while he is on an expiring rookie contract. McCarthy has indicated a preference to lean on Rush as he did with Prescott, suggesting limited involvement for Lance in specific game packages despite his mobility advantage.
However, Jones hinted at the possibility of integrating Lance into the game plan, stressing that it is not merely about providing him with playing time but rather enhancing the offensive strategy. “There’s packages that we can work on. Let me be clear, that’s not just to get Lance some play time. That’s to bring to the table some offense for us,” he stated.